3 Tips for Avoiding Dental Problems

Posted September 13, 2016byStephens and Gatewood

If you have vowed to take better care of your teeth this year, you may have already taken some extra steps to care for your smile. There might still be more you could do, though, to help keep your teeth and gums in great shape between dental visits. If you are serious about your dental health, it can be beneficial to learn more about what the smile needs in order to stay healthy. Then, you will simply need to follow through in order to enjoy a beautiful smile and avoid dental problems.

1. Don’t Skip Out on Daily Hygiene

Dental hygiene is one important way to care for your smile. While most people think that brushing twice a day is all that is necessary, there are a few extra steps that can be taken to actually improve your oral health between dental visits.

Brushing a third time each day, such as actual lunch, is often beneficial to the smile. This helps prevent how much time food particles and bacteria remain on the teeth, preventing the chance of plaque buildup.

Flossing is also essential, as it is meant to help remove food and bacteria that has become stuck between the teeth.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Plenty of Water

What you eat impacts your oral health, along with your dental hygiene. A diet high in sugar is more likely to lead to plaque buildup that can cause cavities and even gum disease, whereas a healthy diet filled with nutrient-rich foods like vegetables and fruits, is much better for the teeth.

Along with what you eat, what you drink can have a big impact on your smile, as well. Drinking acidic beverages like sodas, teas, coffee, and wines, especially those with lots of sugar as well, can be particularly problematic for teeth since they spend longer periods of time on the teeth than most foods. Opt for water as often as possible, as it can help rinse other food particles from the surface of the teeth. Plus, water helps you produce saliva, which is a natural defense against plaque.

3. Visit the Dentist Regularly for Preventive Care

Of course, no matter how well you care for your teeth at-home, it is still important to visit the dentist regularly for preventive care, including both checkups and cleanings. Most people need to visit the dentist at least twice a year, to properly prevent dental problems.

However, if you learn that you are prone to developing cavities, or if you are currently struggling with gum disease, you may require more frequent visits to properly protect your teeth.